Patrick Bullock, Medicare Insurance Broker
About Me
As an insurance broker, I represent all of the major companies in our area. I have been helping seniors with Medicare and retirement planning for over 15 years. Let me help you.
Q&A with Patrick Bullock
I'm turning 65 next month; what are the first steps I should take regarding Medicare enrollment?
Answer: If you're working, you'll want to compare the health coverage you have through your employer to what may be available to you through Medicare. If you are not working, you'll want to call social security and make sure your part B will be in effect. Next, you'll want to talk to a Medicare broker, such as myself, who will give you an unbiased opinion of the best insurance fit for your particular situation.
How do you educate clients who are completely new to Medicare?
Answer: I like to give them some basic facts about what Medicare does and doesn't do. I then like to get to know the clients' situation better so I can begin to personalize the information they need to make the best decision. There are a lot of factors that may affect the decision making process and it is important to touch on all of them.
What is one of the the most common misconceptions people have about Medicare?
Answer: There are many people who believe that Medicare will cover them in a nursing home. For the most part this is not true. Medicare will cover a stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay. However, they will not cover long term care in a nursing home. This is generally covered by a long term care insurance plan or out of the persons personal funds, which can be very expensive.
Can I change my Supplemental/Medigap plan at any time?
Answer: One of the reasons people like Medicare Supplement plans is that you can change that supplement to another any time of the year. Medicare Advantage plans have enrollment periods the you must abide by, and generally are required to stay in that plan for the entire year. That being said, after the initial enrollment period ends, a person's application will go through underwriting and they must be able to answer those health questions to the satisfaction of the particular insurance company.